The Ottawa Senators have already made waves this season by landing former Vezina winner Linus Ullmark between the pipes. But according to multiple insiders, the front office isn’t done tinkering — and the latest rumor has the hockey world buzzing.
Former NHL netminder-turned-analyst Kevin Weekes dropped a bombshell on social media Thursday, suggesting the Senators are kicking tires on a veteran goaltender with serious playoff pedigree: Stuart Skinner. Yes, the same Stuart Skinner who twice backstopped the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final.
“G Skinner among options for Senators,” Weekes posted on X, sending shockwaves through the rumor mill. Sources close to the situation claim Ottawa’s brass is quietly exploring ways to bolster their goaltending depth behind Ullmark, and Skinner’s name keeps surfacing in internal discussions.
A Rollercoaster Ride to the Finals — and Beyond
Skinner, a third-round pick by the Oilers in 2017, has seen it all. He was the man in net for Edmonton’s two consecutive runs to the Cup Final, but his playoff performances have been a mixed bag. Insiders say the Oilers’ coaching staff reportedly lost confidence at critical moments, turning to Calvin Pickard when Skinner faltered under the bright lights.
That inconsistency followed him to Pittsburgh. In a mid-December blockbuster, the Oilers shipped Skinner and defenseman Brett Kulak to the Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry and Sam Poulin — a deal that, according to league insiders, didn’t exactly work out for either side. Skinner started the playoffs for Pittsburgh but was eventually yanked in favor of Arturs Silovs, while Jarry couldn’t crack Edmonton’s postseason rotation, getting outplayed by Connor Ingram.
What Would Skinner Bring to Ottawa?
Statistically, Skinner’s career numbers tell a story of raw talent mixed with growing pains. Over his NHL career, he’s posted a 121-71-23 record, a 2.77 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage, and nine shutouts. In the postseason, those numbers dip slightly: 26-25 with a 2.89 GAA and .892 save percentage, along with four shutouts. His current contract — a three-year extension worth $7.8 million with a $2.6 million cap hit — expires July 1, making him an intriguing rental or potential long-term piece.
One NHL scout told us, off the record, that Skinner’s experience in high-pressure situations could be invaluable for a Senators team hungry to return to relevance. “He’s been to the mountain top twice. He knows what it takes to get there. Ottawa could do a lot worse than adding a guy like that as a safety net behind Ullmark.”
What’s Next for the Senators?
While no deal is imminent, sources say Ottawa’s front office is actively listening to offers and weighing options. The question now is whether the Senators will pull the trigger on a trade that could dramatically alter their goaltending plans — and perhaps their entire trajectory — heading into the stretch run. Fans are already buzzing about the possibility, and insiders suggest this story is far from over.
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